Calendula's Journal -- Nubian Pictures

[Calendula]

I bottle fed two years in a row back when we got our NDs. My own stupidity almost killed my first doe, Daphne. But we went there, she said "These will need to be bottle fed!" and sent us on our way! At least now I know what to do and what to look for... and I have some extra dog cages if they need to be kept in the house.

I was hoping to wait until my does gave birth and then maybe mix some of their extra milk with formula for the does, but I guess things don't always work out.

Sadly, I don't have the means to get to any fresh goat or cow milk, so formula is what I'm stuck with. To prevent scours and sickness, the vet told me to mix unflavored yogurt with it. That was a lifesaver for when Daphne was a kid and got sick, so now i just mix the yogurt in as a preventative.

They'll be about three or four days old when I first get them.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

You can use milk from your local grocery store. It doesn't have to be raw cow milk, just be sure it's WHOLE milk. Lots of folks have used it with good success.

 

[NH homesteader]

Oh my gosh, how awful to just be handed bottle babies like that. Glad everyone turned out ok!

FEM, I was just about to type that!

 

[Calendula]

I wish I had known that BEFORE I purchased formula... Maybe I can get that and mix the two since I don't think I can return formula... Thanks, @frustratedearthmother and @NH homesteader
The grocery store is a lot closer than the only place that sells formula, too.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Maybe if you can't return it you can sell it on Craigslist? Just an idea...

 

[HomeOnTheRange]

Congrats on the soon to be new arrivals. Will be waiting to see pics!!

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Congratulations on the upcoming kids!

I agree, if you can re-sell the formula that might be best. I don't like replacer and refuse to use it. Whole milk is great.

 

[Latestarter]

If the formula isn't opened, I don't see why they wouldn't take it back... I'd say try to return it first. Or call the store and explain that you "bought the wrong stuff and it won't work" and ask can you return it.

 

[Bruce]

If said formula isn't a good thing to use, why do they sell it? Is it just not good for goats?

 

[Calendula]

@Bruce I'm assuming it's a "we can make money off of unsuspecting goat owners." I did have constant diarrhea with my kids on formula.

We were able to return it and purchase whole milk! Which is a MUCH better deal, it turns out.

I'll post pics of the kids later. They're settled in and we're sewing some coats for them now.
We have decided to name them Mocha and Risa. They are absolutely precious.